Sturridge proves able deputy

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea go into 2010 in the perfect position after Daniel chips with two goals, covering for Drogba in 5-0 win over Watford.

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea go into 2010 in the perfect position after starting the New Year with a thoroughly convincing victory over Watford. Two goals from striker Daniel Sturridge, the man designated to deputise for Didier Drogba while he is away on African Cup of Nations duty, provided the platform for a comfortable afternoon at Stamford Bridge. With the Blues also top of the Premier League and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League, Ancelotti believes all memories of a shaky December have been put to one side.

"I think it's the best position we can be in and now we want to do the best in every competition," the Chelsea manager said. "To win them all is not easy but I'm sure we'll do our best. "Our players know how important the FA Cup is for this club, for this country and we want to arrive in the final. We won it last year and want to do the same. I'm happy because it was important to start the New Year well."

Chelsea were fully focused and never for a second looked like becoming the victims of a giant killing. They were ahead after only five minutes through Sturridge and it was 2-0 after 15 minutes thanks to an unfortunate own goal from John Eustace. When Yuri Zhirkov's shot struck Florent Malouda before deflecting into the net the match was over as a contest. Chelsea added further more convincing strikes after the break; Frank Lampard curling home the fourth and Sturridge providing a clever finish for the fifth. @Email:[e-mail]